Ambulances bosses have warned that people who do not have a life-threatening condition can expect to have to wait some time for an ambulance.

North West Ambulance Service had already been struggling to cope with demand, as the service tries to make cuts of £14m.

NWAS Director of Operations Derek Cartwright said: “The call volume we are currently experiencing is unprecedented and our crews are working extremely hard to reach those who urgently need our help as quickly as possible.”